The Earth's crust is primarily divided into two main parts based on its chemical composition: continental crust and oceanic crust.
Types of Earth's Crust
Here's a breakdown of these two different types:
| Crust Type | Composition | Location | Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Continental Crust | Silica and aluminium | Forms the continents | Less Dense |
| Oceanic Crust | Silica and magnesium | Forms the ocean floors | More Dense |
Continental Crust
- The continental crust is the layer of solid rock that makes up the continents.
- It is thicker than the oceanic crust and is composed primarily of silica and aluminum.
- It is less dense compared to the oceanic crust, making it float higher on the mantle.
Oceanic Crust
- The oceanic crust makes up the ocean floors.
- It is thinner than the continental crust and is made up of silica and magnesium.
- It's denser than the continental crust, which causes it to sit lower on the mantle, forming the basins where oceans accumulate.
Both continental and oceanic crusts are dynamic parts of the Earth, constantly shifting due to plate tectonics.
